Old Europe, New Europe, Non Europe. Reshaping the European Union at the Beginning of the 21st Century

In the new millennium the EU has faced a number of challenges. First, the integration of the twelve new member states has been a troublesome affair. Second, EU’s relations to its neighbours (e.g. Russia & Turkey) remains a topic splitting the member states. Finally, EU is still struggling to find its role in international politics.

This course aims to familiarize students with the European Union after enlargement and the Lisbon Treaty. The approach is interdisciplinary, combining political science, history and European Studies. In a comparative manner the new members of the European Union and the states bordering the new Europe are scrutinized. Furthermore, EU’s engagement in conflict resolution and peacekeeping beyond its borders are examined.

Course leader

Anamaria Dutceac Segesten

Target group

Special requirements: Applicants must hold a Bachelor Degree within the Humanities or Social Sciences or the equivalent. While students are not required to have taken previous courses on EU, the course aims at students who are interested in politics, history, European Studies, international affairs and related areas.

Course aim

(a) To familiarize students with the new EU member states.

(b) To provide students with an understanding of the European Union in the 21st century.